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Tag: George Akume

  • Wait till 2031 – Akume admonishes Northern politicians

    Wait till 2031 – Akume admonishes Northern politicians

    Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, has called on politicians from the Northern Region to wait until 2031 for them to contest for president.

    Akume made the call during his remarks at a two-day Interactive Season on Government-citizens’ Engagement on Tuesday in Kaduna.

    The event, with the theme “Assessing Electoral Promises: Fostering Government-citizens’ Engagement for National Unity’, was organised by the Sir Ahmadu Bello Memorial Foundation.

    The SGF commended the foundation for providing a platform where the citizens and government could sit and explore ways to enhance governance, democracy and development.

    He said that the government of President Bola Tinubu had spent two years and two months, adding that its achievements were fundamental and remarkable.

    The SGF said: “Tinubu promised impartiality in governance and he has done that without breaking the promise.

    $There is need to encourage someone who is doing well, so that he can do more.

    “There is a lot of misinformation in some aspect of the media.

    *Tinubu has strengthened the security architecture in the country, revitalised agriculture with progressive initiatives.

    “We have witnessed intervention that led to reduction in prices of food produce, improved food security and infrastructure across the country.”

    Akume said that Tinubu was on course to take Nigeria to the promised land,adding: “I will urge politicians from the Northern Region to wait till 2031.

    “Do not join a group that will stagnant the various developments achieved by President Tinubu.

    “The president had positively touched all parts of the country and every citizen.

    “The removal of fuel subsidy has now provided more funds to the government at the sub national levels to carry out huge projects and deliver quality dividends of democracy.”

    The SGF explained that the Renewed Hope Agenda was not a slogan but determination to restore hope to all the regions of the country.

    He narrated some of the achievements in diplomacy and foreign policies, transportation, job creation, education, tax reforms, Local Government Autonomy, national security, sports, war against corruption, peace, stability and others.

    Akume added, “Tinubu has laid a foundation stone for New Nigeria through visionary leadership and commitment to bring dividends of democracy to all citizens and regions of the country without bias.

    “Tinubu has appointed so many people from the Northern Region to work with him, and they are doing well.

    “The narrative that the North is not carried alone is not true.

    “The Super High Way from Sokoto to Bagary is longer than that of Lagos-Calabar.

    “However, the contract for road, from Akwanga through Jos, Bauchi, Gombe, Taraba and other parts of the Northern Region will soon be awarded.*

    He reiterated that with the various developments in two years and two months by Tinubu, patriotic politicians should jettison their ambition for presidency till 2031.

    He added that 2027 should not be in their minds, saying, “this is because Tinubu has done so well and will continue in that line to better the lot of the citizens and the country.”

    The event brought together all appointees in the Tinubu administration from the Northern region of the country to interact with the citizens, including the agency’s Managing Director, Malam Ali M. Ali.

  • Insecurity: FG to implement proof of address system nationwide

    Insecurity: FG to implement proof of address system nationwide

    The Federal Government says it will implement the Proof of Address (POA) system across the 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in the country as part of measures to address insecurity and improve service delivery.

    The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Sen. George Akume, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja at the North-West, North-East, and North-Central Geopolitical Zones stakeholders’ sensitisation meeting.

    The event was organised by the Office of the SGF in collaboration with the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) to drive President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to addressing the nation’s key challenges.

    Akume, represented by Mr Nadungu Gagare, Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, said the meeting marked the formal inauguration of the nationwide POA sensitisation, starting with the Northern Geopolitical zones.

    He said previous meetings had been held with stakeholders in Abuja, which produced key resolutions and a communiqué that was disseminated to all states.

    ”The POA initiative is designed to provide every resident with a verifiable and secured address, which will be integrated into administrative processes across the public and private sectors,” he said.

    According to him, the initiative will enhance national security, improve planning and service delivery, and promote a more structured society.

    In his remarks, the ALGON President, Mr Bello Lawal, described the meeting as timely and critical to the future of grassroots governance, national security, and socio-economic development.

    Lawal noted that the local government system, being the closest to the people, plays a vital role in functions like street naming and house numbering, which formed the basis of the addressing ecosystem.

    He lamented the long-standing neglect of these functions, which he said had contributed to fragmented urban and rural addressing systems, poor service delivery, slow emergency response, and inadequate planning data.

    ”In many rural communities, households lack recognised addresses, undermining access to services and effective law enforcement,” he said.

    Lawal added that the POA system would offer a transformational opportunity to formalise address identities for households, businesses, and facilities nationwide.

    In the same vein, Mrs Rose Mibwala, General Manager, Postcode and Addressing System at the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST), said the initiative reflected a collective commitment to building a secured, inclusive, and digitally integrated Nigeria.

    ”For NIPOST, addressing is no longer just about mail delivery; it is a cornerstone of digital identity, financial inclusion, national security, and effective service delivery,” she said.

    Mibwala commended the collaboration between NIPOST and ALGON on the POA system and lauded efforts to integrate postcodes and addressing into local governance structures.

  • FG reels out activities for 2025 Democracy Day celebration

    FG reels out activities for 2025 Democracy Day celebration

    The Federal Government on Thursday in Abuja inaugurated an Inter-Ministerial Committee for 2025 Democracy Day celebration with a charge to organise a befitting and memorable event.

    Speaking, Sen. George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF),  said the celebration would provide an opportunity to honour Nigeria’s founding fathers and democratic heroes who made significant sacrifices for the country’s democratic journey.

    Akume was represented by Sen. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning.

    “This year’s Democracy Day is an opportunity to reflect on the contributions and sacrifices of our founding fathers to attain independence, and the efforts of democratic champions to end military rule.

    “Celebrating this day is a way of recognising their place in our history,” he said.

    He said that the occasion also enables the Federal Government to highlight its achievements and present its performance scorecard to the citizens.

    Akume urged members of the committee to work in synergy towards the realisation of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

    According to him, activities lined up for the 2025 Democracy Day celebration include:

    World Press Briefing and Special Juma’at Service on Friday, June 6; Church Service, Sunday, June 8 at National Christian Centre; Youth Programme, Tuesday, June 9; Public Lecture, Wednesday, June 11; Presidential Broadcast and Parade on Thursday, June 12.

    Members of the committee chaired by Akume include, Wale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy; Mohammed Malagi, Minister of Information and National Orientation; Sen. Abubakar  Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning.

    Others are Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Foreign Affairs; Nyesom Wike, Minister of the FCT; Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Interior; Hadiza Bala-Usman, Special Adviser to the President, Policy and Coordination.

    Also in the list are Kayode Egbetokun, Inspector-General of Police; Adeola Ajayi, Director-General, Department of State Services; Brig.-Gen. Adebisi Onasanya, Commander, Guards Brigade; Dr Nnamdi Maurice Mbaeri, Permanent Secretary, General Services Office, OSGF.

    Mr Kachollom Daju, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health; and  Nadungu Gagare, Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs Office, OSGF were also selected as members.

    Terms of reference for the committee, according to the SGF included planning and executing all approved Democracy Day activities and co-opting relevant individuals or organisations.

    Documenting all activities for posterity, carrying out any other assignment related to the successful implementation of the celebration were also given as tasks to the committee.

  • FG approves revision of new procurement thresholds for MDAs

    FG approves revision of new procurement thresholds for MDAs

    The Federal Government has approved the revision of the subsisting Prior Review and Monetary Thresholds for service-wide application for procurement of goods, works and services.

    The approval is a sequel to government’s deliberate bid to ensure sustained and realistic procurement outcomes in the face of current economic realities and to enhance budget implementation and ease of doing business.

    The approval is contained in a circular directed to relevant officials and offices, dated May 27, and signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation [SGF], Sen. George Akume.

    Akume said the current approved procurement thresholds supersedes any extant operational threshold except the special thresholds approved for expenditures related to the NNPC Ltd. which is in US Dollars and is self-adjusting to reflect the prevailing Naira equivalent values.

    He said the revised thresholds would apply to the Three Arms of Government, the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary and their respective tenders boards.

    The SGF said that revising the procurement method threshold aims to ensure sustainable and realistic procurement outcomes given current economic realities, while also enhancing budget implementation and facilitating ease of doing business.

    He said the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP) has been directed to enforce the use of Open Competitive Bidding as the default method of procurement.

    “Therefore, MDAs should note that the use of Restricted Tendering, Direct Procurement, Direct Labour and Emergency Procurement Methods shall be limited to projects that meet the statutory requirements stipulated in the PPA, 2007.

    “Additional guidelines shall subsequently be issued by the BPP on the appropriate use of these methods.”

    Akume said the BPP would focus on prior and post reviews, procurement audits, surveillance and monitoring to guard against abuse of procurement processes and to enforce appropriate sanctions where necessary in line with the provisions of the PPA 2007.

    The SGF said the Audit Report would be forwarded to the National Assembly bi-annually in line with Section 5(p) of the PPA, 2007.

    “Further to the above, the bureau shall henceforth conduct quality assurance of all procurement proceedings approved by the Ministerial Tenders Boards (MTB) that do not require a Certificate of “No Objection”.

    “Therefore, MTB approvals for procurements that fall below N1 billion for Goods and Services and N5 billion for Works should be forwarded to the BPP for review as a prerequisite to contract award.

    “These should be accompanied with evaluation reports, minutes of MTB meetings and draft contract agreements.

    Akume said that given the foregoing, Ministries/Extra-Ministerial Bodies, Parastatals, Agencies and Government-owned companies were to ensure strict adherence to procurement processing timelines as stipulated.

    “To this end, MDAs are required to furnish the bureau with quarterly procurement progress reports to enable the bureau track the progress of their procurement activities and ensure that procurements are implemented within the stipulated timelines.

    He said procuring entities were further directed to issue notification of award to successful bidders and immediately debrief unsuccessful bidders.

    “Additionally, in accordance with the provisions of the PPA, 2007, procuring entities must publish the details of all contract awards on their website and the website of the bureau monthly.”

    The SGF said MDAs were to ensure projects that fall within the National Competitive Bidding Threshold and below, such procurements shall comply with the Government’s “Nigeria First” policy.

    “In other words, MDAs shall give preference to goods made in Nigeria and the use of local companies in the delivery of works and services.

    “These goods, works and services must, however, conform to international standards and be certified by relevant government agencies charged with the statutory responsibilities to supervise those sectors.”

    He said the government would no longer allow non-performing and dishonest contractors to participate in public procurement processes.

    “Consequently, the BPP will debar any supplier, contractor or service provider that fails to deliver a contract satisfactorily; deliberately abandons a contract, or obtains a contract through corrupt, fraudulent, collusive, coercive/obstructive practice.”

    Akume said accounting officers would be responsible for the direct supervision of all procurement processes, while the political heads of ministries have the statutory duty to confirm approvals by the respective tenders boards.

    He said the federal government was reiterating the need for timely completion of procurement activities for the Financial Year 2024 and early commencement of procurement activities for the Financial Year 2025, as conveyed in previous Circulars.

    “These activities should now take into consideration the newly revised thresholds.”

  • Chris Anyanwu’s Bold Leap : Obasanjo, Jonathan, Akume, others to headline public presentation

    Chris Anyanwu’s Bold Leap : Obasanjo, Jonathan, Akume, others to headline public presentation

    All is now set for the public presentation of Senator Chris Anyanwu’s autobiography, Bold Leap.

    The event billed to hold at the National Universities Commission main auditorium in Abuja on Monday, December 2, 2024, will be chaired by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

    A number of other high-profile Nigerians including former President Goodluck Jonathan, Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF); Senators Anyim Pius Anyim and David Mark, former Presidents of the Senate, and Hon. Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, have confirmed their attendance.

    The event will be hosted by Imo State governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, while his Abia counterpart, Dr Alex Otti, will be co-host.

    The book will be reviewed by former presidential media adviser and chairman of the Editorial Board of THISDAY newspaper, Mr Segun Adeniyi, with Sir Emeka Offor as the chief presenter.

    The highlight of the event will be a panel discussion on the theme: How do we fix Nigeria: System, Structure, Institutions or Leadership?

    The discussion which will be moderated by Prof Udenta O. Udenta, Distinguished Fellow at the Abuja School of Social and Political Thought, will have Senator Bala Mohammed, Bauchi State governor; Dr Kayode Fayemi, former Governor of Ekiti State; Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, former Senate Minority Leader and Comrade Annkio Briggs, an environmentalist and human rights activist, as panellists.

    Chairman of the planning committee, Chief Charles Anyiam-Osigwe, said in a statement on Wednesday that the event will go beyond mere book presentation, assuring that it will afford Nigerians another opportunity to address the lingering ‘National Question.’

    The statement reads in part: “The list of those who have confirmed their attendance is quite impressive. We have former presidents, present and former governors, National Assembly members, including presiding officers, key traditional rulers from across the country, captains of industry, members of the Diplomatic Corps, media and the civil society.

    “As former President Obasanjo noted in his Foreword, Bold Leap , Senator Chris Anyanwu’s fascinating life’s experiences, ‘is a documentation of exploits and victories over life’s challenges and troubles, including those invented and unleashed by desperate human wickedness.’

    “But it goes beyond the usual mission of an autobiography to give ‘fascinating insights into political voodooism in Nigeria and lifts the veil on the intricacies of election chicanery and subterfuge.’

    “That is why the last 94 pages of the book which contains the seminal lecture given by Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu at the TSM Second Diamond Lecture in February 1994 titled, “Nigeria: The truths which are self-evident,” and no-holds barred commentaries by 58 notable Nigerians from all walks of life on the vexing issue of what should be the terms for the continued co-existence of the country’s component groups, is perhaps the most important section of the 612-page book.

    “Thirty years thence, this question remains germane. Senator Anyanwu is using the occasion of this book presentation to redirect attention to that all-important question.”

  • Cabinet reshuffle: All handing over, take over must be completed by October 30 — SGF

    Cabinet reshuffle: All handing over, take over must be completed by October 30 — SGF

    Following the cabinet reshuffle and restructuring of ministries by President Bola Tinubu, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume has directed that all handing over and taking over processes should be completed on/or before Wednesday 30th October 2024.

    The SGF said in a statement that President Tinubu has in line with his determination to recalibrate the administration, approved the reassignment of ten Ministers, discharge of five and announced the nomination of seven new Ministers, subject to the confirmation by the Senate.

    He said the President has also approved the restructuring and winding down of some ministries leading to scrapping of the Niger Delta Affairs and the Sports ministries.

    The decisions saw the return of the National Sports Commission to take over the role for the former sports ministry.

    The Federal Executive Council President by President Tinubu, however, approved the established of the ministry of regional development to oversee all the regional development commissions in the country.

    It also approved the merger of ministries of tourism with the ministry of culture and creative economy.

    The new ministry of regional development to oversee all the regional development commissions, such as Niger Delta Development Commission, North West Development Commission, South West Development Commission, North East Development Commission.
    while the National Sports Commission would take over the role of the Ministry of Sports.

    The FEC also approved the merger of the Ministry of Tourism with the Ministry of Culture and Creative Economy.

    Akume said necessary directives have been issued on the implementation of the approval of Mr President, accordingly.

    “All handing over and taking over processes should be completed on/or before Wednesday 30th October, 2024.

    “In the case of Ministries where there are no Ministers to take-over, the out-going Ministers should hand over to the Permanent Secretaries.

    “The processes for the seamless merger of the Ministry of Tourism with Ministry of Arts Culture and Creative Economy as well as the winding- down of the defunct Ministry of Sports Development are being coordinated jointly by the Offices of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the Head of Civil Service of the Federation.

    “Similarly, the renaming and the expansion of mandate of the defunct Ministry of Niger Delta Development is to take immediate effect.

    “The releasing supervising authorities as well as Commissions under the new Ministry have been duly notified on this development.

    “Respective Permanent Secretaries are directed to ensure seamless implementation and also forward one copy each of the hand-over notes to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation for the records. ”

     

  • Nigeria @64: Obasanjo, Akpabio attend thanksgiving service

    Nigeria @64: Obasanjo, Akpabio attend thanksgiving service

    The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, was joined  on Sunday by notable dignitaries, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, in celebration of Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary which commenced with an inter-denominational church service held at the National Christian Centre in Abuja.

    Speaking at the event, the SGF who expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future, stated that all hope is not lost for the nation.

    He further articulated a vision for Nigeria to emerge as the most successful and prosperous country in Africa and globally.

    The Archbishop of Abuja, Most Rev. Michael Akinwale, who delivered a sermon emphasizing hope for the country, sharing his vision of Nigeria reclaiming its status as one of the leading nations worldwide, calling for unity and resilience among Nigerians.

    He said, “Today, September 29, I have a dream that this nation, Nigeria, will be great again. I have a dream that Nigeria will rise again. I have a dream that Nigeria will be a pacesetter for industrialisation in Africa. I have a dream that all Nigerians will dwell in plenty.”

    Expressing his own vision for the country under Tinubu’s leadership, Akume said, “There is hope. I have a dream too, that this country, under Asiwaju, will become the most blessed, most successful, and prosperous in Africa and the world.”

    The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio pleaded with Nigerians to be patient and hopeful, adding that the nation’s journey to prosperity had just started.

    He asserted that the country’s brightest days are coming ahead.

    He said, “As we celebrate today, let us also acknowledge the challenges we face. Yes, the road ahead may be bumpy; yes, there will be setbacks; but together, united in our faith and love for Nigeria, we will prevail.

    “Our journey to become a prosperous nation is just beginning and I urge each of you to be patient, to hold on to hope, and to believe that change is not only possible but inevitable. Nigeria’s brightest days are ahead of us. Together, with unwavering belief, we will build a nation that our children and generations to come will be proud of.”

  • FRSC promotes 49 senior officers

    FRSC promotes 49 senior officers

    The Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has promoted 49 senior officers comprising of 21 Assistant Corps Marshals (ACM) ,11 Corps Commanders (CC) and 17 Deputy Corps Commanders (DCC).

    This is contained in a statement issued by the Deputy Corps Public Education Officer (DCPEO) Mr Charles Edem on Friday in Abuja.

    Edem said that the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, (SGF) Sen. George Akume had on Sept. 20 approved the promotion for the senior officers.

    ”21 Corps Commanders (CC), were promoted to the rank of Assistant Corps Marshal (ACM), 11 Deputy Corps Commanders (DCC) to the rank of Corps Commanders (CC).

    “17 others got elevated from Assistant Corps Commander to Deputy Corps Commander. Three of the Assistant Corps Marshals (ACMs) are to proceed on immediate retirement,”he said.

    Edem named the promoted ACMs as the Corps Secretary, ACM LD Shehu, Corps Legal Adviser, ACM KD Gonji, Corps Public Education Officer, ACM Olusegun Ogungbemide, Corps Intelligence Officer, ACM G Ntukidem.

    He named others as the Corps Provost, ACM AT Hassan, the Corps Budget Officer, ACM MR Sabiya, and the Corps Transport Standardisation Office, ACM KA Ibrahim.

    “Others are; sector commander Bayelsa, ACM CM Onukwubiri, ACM TA Mohammed, ACM in charge of Command Administration and Strategy, ACM SU Galadanchi, Acting Zonal Commanding Officer RS3HQ Yola, ACM YA Haruna

    “Also promoted are acting zonal commanding Officer RS1HQ Kaduna, ACM A Umar, ACM in charge of Monitoring and Evaluation, ACM EF Akinlade, Acting Zonal Commanding Officer RS4HQ Jos, ACM AA Irelewuyi;

    “The Head of Session, Personnel, Administration and Human Resources Department, ACM YD Dio, ACM in charge of Federal Operations, ACM ST Agure, Commandant Road Marshal Assistant Training School, Shendam.

    “ACM M Yakubu, and Acting Zonal Commanding Officer RS11HQ Osogbo, ACM HA Godwin. However, the three promoted senior officers to proceed on immediate retirement are; ACM DI Okuobeya, ACM AS Ochi and ACM Adekanye,”he said.

    In the same vein, amongst the 11 promoted Corps Commanders was the Corps Information Technology Officer/ Technical Adviser to the Corps Marshal, Corps Commander Wasiu Adenekan..

    Edem said that the newly promoted Deputy Corps Commanders (DCC) include DCC EE Uzoma and 16 others.

    Reacting, the SGF expressed delight over the level of transparency and objectivity that heralded the whole process.

    Akume urged the appointed officers to show more commitment and rededicate themselves to achieving the corporate vision of the Corps.

    This, he said in which were to eradicate Road Traffic Crashes (RTCs) and create a safer motoring environment in the country.

    Akume, however, said that the appointment was part of President Bola Tinubu’s drive towards rewarding excellence, diligence and hard work.

    He added that it was also in line with the administrative philosophy of the present leadership of the Hope Agenda regime.

    Also, the FRSC Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed equally congratulated the newly elevated Officers for their excellent performances during the exercise.

    Mohammed emphasised that every promotion comes with greater responsibilities.

    He charged them to put in their best in the course of their duties as the new rank called for more focus, more dedication, commitment and passion.

    The FRSC boss admonished those who were not fortunate this appointment year to keep faith alive and be loyal to the system.

    He promised to improve the general welfare of the personnel of the Corps and beckoned on all personnel to be of good cheer and put in great efforts towards the realisation of the corporate mandate of the Corps.

  • FG reels out activities for 64th Independence Day celebration

    FG reels out activities for 64th Independence Day celebration

    The federal government of Nigeria has reeled out activities to mark the 64th Independence Day anniversary celebration, which will commence with a World Press Conference on Thursday, 26th September 2024.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Nigeria gained independence from British rule on 1 October 1960 and since then the nation has marked her Independence Day annually on October First as a national holiday. In recent years public disillusionment has led to muted celebrations, due to the state of the economy and lingering ethnic tensions.

    However, for the 2024 Independence Day anniversary celebration, a Juma’at service will hold on Friday, 27th September, 2024 and a Church service will hold on Sunday, 29th September 2024, while the Presidential Broadcast and the 64th Independence Day parade will hold on Tuesday, 1st October 2024.

    Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, represented by the Special Adviser to the President on Policy and Coordination, Hadiza Bala Usman had disclosed that the 64th Independence Anniversary celebration will be low-keyed to reflect the trying times the nation is undergoing.

    ALSO READ || Mrs Tinubu unveils national ‘asoebi’ for Independence Day celebration, gifts designer N25m

    Senator Akume made the disclosire while speaking during the inaugurating of the Inter-Ministerial Committee for the 2024 Independence Day Celebration, which has been vested with the responsibility of planning, organizing and executing all approved activities line up to commemorate the sacrifices of Nigeria’s founding fathers.

    The SGF stated that the event will afford the government the opportunity to showcase to Nigerians its scorecard recorded within the short period in office to reposition Nigeria through its reform initiatives to deliver the dividends of democracy.

    “The 64th Independence Anniversary celebration will commence with the World Press Conference on Thursday, 26th September 2024  with the following line-up of activities to mark the national event: Juma’at Service on Friday, 27th September, 2024; Church Service on Sunday, 29th September 2024; on Monday, 30th September 2024; while the Presidential Broadcast,  and 64th Independence Day Parade will hold on Tuesday, 1st October 2024,” he stated.

    The Inter-Ministerial Committee comprises Hon. Minister Budget and Economic Planning; Hon. Minister of Information and National Orientation; Hon. Minister of Interior; Hon. Minister Foreign Affairs; Hon. Minister of the FCT; Special Adviser to the President, Policy and Coordination; Senior Special Assistant to the President, Social Events and Inspector-General of Police.

    Other Members are National Security Adviser, Director-General, Department of State Services; Commander, Guards Brigade; Permanent Secretary, General Services Office (Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation); Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health and Permanent Secretary, Political and Economic Affairs Office (Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation).

    “The Terms of Reference for the Inter-Ministerial Committee is to plan, organize, and execute all approved activities befitting the Independence Day Celebration on October 1st, 2024; Co-opt any organization(s)/ person(s) relevant towards the successful execution of the programme; Document for posterity, all planned activities for the Anniversary; and Carry out any other assignment as may be required towards the successful implementation of the Celebration,” Akume stated.

  • Avoid planned protest – Akume appeals to Nigerians

    Avoid planned protest – Akume appeals to Nigerians

    Secretary to the Government of the Federation, (SGF) Senator George Akume, has called on Nigerians not to embark on the planned nationwide protests slated August 1.

    Akume made the call during a press briefing in Abuja on the eve of the planned demonstrations in the 36 states of the federation and the FCT.

    According to him, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration is making concerted efforts to solve the myriads of challenges confronting the nation.

    “We therefore appeal to Nigerians of whatever persuasion, belief, demography, gender and status to shun calls for protest against hunger by prioritising peace and progress,” the SGF said.

    He expressed optimism that with the several interventions by the Federal Government, the hardships Nigerians were experiencing would be a thing of the past.

    “The ongoing economic hardships would abate very soon and we shall all enjoy endless prosperity.

    “For the avoidance of doubts, the government of President Tinubu recognises the right to peaceful protest but circumspection and vigilance should be our watchwords.

    “Government is weary of the dangers associated with protests that are vulnerable to being highjacked by bandits, insurgents and other criminals. Rather, we request that dialogue should be advanced and we remain open to such,” he said.